direct electric current
- noun
- /dəˈrɛkt ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈkʌrənt/
- Specialized
:
corriente eléctrica directa
- A direct electric current is commonly used in battery chargers to ensure a consistent flow of electricity.
Examples
-
Electrowinning uses a direct electric current to remove dissolved metal ions from a solution.
Academic text (1994) -
In many electronics applications, a direct electric current is preferred for its stability and efficiency.
-
Electrowinning uses a direct electric current to remove dissolved metal ions from a solution.
Synonyms
3
3.5
An electric flow that moves steadily in one direction, for example from a battery
An electric current that flows in one direction
Antonyms
- Specialized
A flow of electricity that moves back and forth regularly, like the power in homes
How Often
- Specialized
1
6.8
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an electric current that flows in one direction' is directly derivable from combining 'direct' (one-directional), 'electric' (relating to electricity) and 'current' (a flow), forming a straightforward technical noun phrase. This compositional pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will understand the MWE.
Etymology
Direct electric current uses a simple picture: imagine a stream that only moves one way and never flows back. The word direct shows that one-way motion of the current, so the phrase means 'an electric current that flows in one direction steadily'.